Skip to content
 
Search

Latest Stories

E. coli cases up 26% in UK as salad leaf outbreaks lead to hospitalisations and deaths

E. coli infections rise sharply in 2024, says UKHSA

E. coli

The largest outbreak, linked to pre-packaged salad leaves

iStock
Gayathri Kallukaran
By Gayathri KallukaranAug 02, 2025
Gayathri Kallukaran
Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
See Full Bio
Follow:

Highlights

  • E. coli infections rose by 26% in 2024, with over 2,500 cases reported in England
  • Outbreaks linked to supermarket salad leaves, contaminated beef and fresh fruit
  • Two deaths and over 120 hospitalisations reported in largest outbreak
  • Children aged 1–4 most affected, with 357 confirmed cases
  • Experts advise strict hygiene and food safety measures to curb spread


Cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) rose by over a quarter in England last year, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). A total of 2,544 cases were confirmed in 2024, up from 2,018 in 2023—a 26% increase.

The rise is partly attributed to multiple foodborne outbreaks, with supermarket salad leaves identified as the leading cause of the largest incident.

Salad-linked outbreak leads to deaths and hospitalisations

The UKHSA investigated five outbreaks of STEC last year, involving 467 confirmed cases, of which 348 were in England. Contaminated salad leaves, beef and fresh fruit were among the sources.

The largest outbreak, linked to pre-packaged salad leaves, resulted in 196 confirmed cases in England alone. Across all outbreaks, 126 individuals required hospital treatment and two people died. More than a dozen supermarket products were recalled as a precaution.

Young children and travellers among the most affected

Children aged one to four years old were the most impacted demographic, accounting for 357 cases. Experts cite lower immunity, less developed hygiene practices, and a higher likelihood of seeking medical care as contributing factors.

STEC cases linked to foreign travel also rose sharply, increasing by 60%, with 183 travel-related cases reported last year.

Health experts issue hygiene warning

Dr Gauri Godbole of the UKHSA urged the public to take preventive measures, emphasising the importance of hygiene at home and abroad.

“STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022, and therefore it’s important for people to take steps to prevent infection.”

She added that symptoms—including diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration—should be taken seriously.

“Wash your hands with soap and warm water, clean surfaces with bleach-based products, and avoid preparing food for others if you are symptomatic or within 48 hours of recovery.”

Parents are advised to ensure children wash their hands thoroughly, especially before eating, after playing outdoors, or after visiting petting farms.

contaminationdeathsenglandukukhsae.coli

Related News

Kate Moss swims topless in Ibiza as model daughter Lila joins her after bold Saint Laurent lingerie shoot
Entertainment

Kate Moss swims topless in Ibiza as model daughter Lila joins her after bold Saint Laurent lingerie shoot

Travis Kelce
Entertainment

Travis Kelce calls snowy trip with Taylor Swift his ‘best offseason memory’

Tensions rise as India and England trade blows at Oval Test
Featured

Tensions rise as India and England trade blows at Oval Test

More For You

Wegovy

Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy is only available via specialist NHS weight management services

Reuters

Novo Nordisk shares nosedive as Mounjaro, copycat weight loss drugs threaten market lead

Highlights

  • Novo Nordisk loses $70bn (£52bn) in market value after major share price slump
  • Company cuts annual forecasts for both profit and revenue
  • Faces mounting competition from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and unauthorised compound drugs
  • Executive reshuffle announced as Maziar Mike Doustdar takes over as CEO
  • UK access to weight-loss jabs remains tightly restricted under NHS guidelines

Novo Nordisk hit by sharp fall as rivals gain ground

Novo Nordisk’s shares fell by more than 20% on Tuesday—its steepest one-day drop—wiping $70bn (£52bn) off its market capitalisation. The crash follows a revised outlook by the company, which lowered its full-year profit and sales expectations amid growing competitive pressure in the obesity drug market.

The fall pushes Novo Nordisk behind European luxury brands LVMH and Hermès in the rankings of the continent’s biggest listed companies, just weeks after reclaiming the top spot.

Keep ReadingShow less
better gut health and stronger muscles

Making healthy choices has become increasingly difficult in the modern world

iStock

NHS surgeon Karan Rajan shares three-ingredient snack for better gut health and stronger muscles

Highlights

  • NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan promotes a simple three-ingredient recipe to support gut health and muscle maintenance.
  • The snack includes kefir yoghurt, raspberries, and chia seeds — all rich in fibre, protein, and beneficial compounds.
  • Dr Rajan advocates for low-cost, preventative health strategies over expensive treatments.
  • He stresses that fibre is often overlooked despite playing a crucial role in overall health.
  • His TikTok channel and book aim to make scientific health advice accessible to the public.

Simple advice, powerful results

Making healthy choices has become increasingly difficult in the modern world. From ultra-processed supermarket food to endless distractions on our devices, temptation is often just a click away. But NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan is working to make health advice more accessible, affordable and actionable — and his approach is finding a wide audience.

Dr Rajan, who has built a following of more than five million on TikTok, uses short-form videos to break down complex medical science into practical tips. His new book, This Book May Save Your Life, compiles what he describes as “everyday health hacks to worry less and live better”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Samaritans branch closures

Samaritans currently has 22,000 listening volunteers

Alamy

Samaritans to shut 100+ branches in UK and Ireland under major restructure

Highlights

  • Samaritans plans to close at least half of its 200 branches over the next 7–10 years
  • Volunteers to be moved into larger regional hubs and remote call handling to be piloted
  • Charity says model is unsustainable; changes aim to increase volunteer flexibility and service capacity
  • Some volunteers express concern over the loss of smaller branch camaraderie and safe spaces
  • Final decision expected in September following consultation

Mental health charity plans shift to larger hubs and remote volunteering

Samaritans has announced plans to close at least 100 of its 201 branches across the UK and Ireland in the next seven to ten years, as part of a major restructuring strategy aimed at improving service delivery and reducing infrastructure costs.

The charity, which operates a 24/7 mental health helpline, says it intends to move volunteers into larger regional centres and trial a remote volunteering model. The shift is intended to provide greater flexibility, increase the number of volunteers on shift at any time, and reduce spending on building maintenance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mounjaro side effects

Social media has recently drawn attention to the psychological challenges

iStock

The silent emotional side effect of Mounjaro jabs users are just beginning to talk about

Highlights

  • Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a diabetes drug also prescribed for weight loss
  • Users report emotional side effects, including low motivation and feeling “stuck”
  • A TikTok post describing the “slow middle” of weight loss struck a chord with others
  • The injection can support weight loss of up to 20% over a year
  • Drug is now sold in UK supermarkets including Tesco and Morrisons


While Mounjaro has become increasingly popular for aiding weight loss, users have begun highlighting a less-discussed side effect — an emotional downturn midway through treatment.

The medication, also known by its generic name tirzepatide, is a weekly injection originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. It has since gained traction for its weight loss benefits, with some patients shedding up to 20% of their body weight over the course of a year.

Keep ReadingShow less
HPV vaccine 16 to 25

Many of those targeted missed their vaccine during school years

iStock

NHS steps up HPV vaccine rollout for young people aged 16–25

Highlights

  • NHS encourages unvaccinated people aged 16–25 to get the HPV vaccine
  • Over 418,000 school leavers in past three years missed vaccination
  • HPV vaccine protects against cervical and other related cancers
  • NHS aiming for 90% uptake among girls by 2040
  • Letters, emails, texts and NHS App alerts being used for reminders

NHS campaign targets unvaccinated young adults

The NHS is urging hundreds of thousands of young people aged 16 to 25 to come forward for the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical and other types of cancer.

Many of those targeted missed their vaccine during school years. According to NHS England, over 418,000 children left school without receiving the HPV jab in the past three years.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc
Contact Us